They need to move Dippin' Dots slightly around the corner where there is an open space so the flow on that concourse can be utilized. A 15 foot wide walkway was cut in half because of that stand. Oh, and if you are going to stop and talk, GET OUT OF THE WAY!!!

Someone listened/read your suggestion, first thing I noticed when I came in.

Thanks a bunch for this info. I didn't care to do the research you did to clarify or support my contention.

If we use one of the latest numbers you listed for the arena built at SLU in 2008 at $80.5M and compare the cost of UD Arena built in 1968-1969 which I believe the original cost was $4.5M, in 2008 dollars that would amount to $27.8M in 2008. If we add in the current transformation cost at $72M that gets us to $99.8M. (I know this is a little bit of a stretch that we would build a new facility in 2008 then add $72M renovation shortly after. But go with me here!)

In your analysis and in my post not included is the UD facility cost build out of the Donoher Center nor the renovation and up-grade to create the Flight Deck and Boesch Lounge, Loge seating and Suites among other improvements in 2002. Not sure what that cost was.

Now coupled with the $72M transformation ...... Still not convinced that we don't spend more than those other venues.

That said since I have never been to these other facilities I demur to those that have such as yourself in opinion that these are nice to great facilites for their respective school.

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND
Founded in 1830, the private liberal arts university in the Commonwealth boasts 2,800 students in 57 majors within its picturesque 350-acre campus. The Robins School of Business is one of the Top-20 business schools in the country. Nickname is the Spiders and are fellow A10 Conference members.

Don Donoher

DON DONOHER
Legendary Flyer men's basketball coach who guided Dayton to 435 victories in 25 seasons (1964-1989) including the 1967 NCAA Runner-Up. Took over the program after the passing of Tom Blackburn and earned many NCAA and NIT bids over his career, including five Sweet-16s, one Elite Eight appearance, and the 1968 NIT Championship. Groomed All-Americans Don May and Jim Paxson, along with all-time leading scorer Roosevelt Chapman. Coached UD as they joined conference affiliation for the first time (Midwest Collegiate). A graduate of UD, Donoher played for Blackburn and credits much of his coaching success to his mentor's teachings: defense, ball protection, patience, and unselfishness.

Rhode Island

RHODE ISLAND
The University of Rhode Island was chartered as the state's agricultural school in 1888. The school became the Rhode Island College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts in 1892. Located in southern Rhode Island, URI is a quintessential New England campus - rural in feeling yet close to the city of Providence, the state's capital. Linked to the city, the beaches, and nearly every corner of the state by both rail and public transit, the campus is easily accessible from Boston and New York URI currently offers 100 majors in seven degree-granting colleges. There are more than 12,000 students on the Kingston campus, about 3,000 in Providence, and a complement of about 700 faculty. Fellow members of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Rams.

St Joseph's

ST. JOSEPH'S
Founded by the Society of Jesus in 1851, Saint Joseph's University advances the professional and personal ambitions of men and women by providing a demanding, yet supportive educational experience. One of only 139 schools nationwide with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter and AACSB business school accreditation, Saint Joseph's is home to 4,200 full-time undergraduates and 3,100 graduate, part-time and doctoral candidates. Located in urban Philadelphia, SJU is a fellow member of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Hawks. Athletic claim to fame is is the Hawk mascot, a university student on full scholarship who wears a Hawk uniform and flaps his wings continuously for an entire athletic event. School spirit slogan is "The Hawk Will Never Die."

Saint Louis

SAINT LOUIS
Saint Louis University is a Jesuit, Catholic university ranked among the top research institutions in the nation. The University fosters the intellectual and character development of more than 12,700 students. Founded in 1818, it is the oldest university west of the Mississippi and the second oldest Jesuit university in the United States. Located in St. Louis, MO, and just five minutes from the Gateway Arch, SLU offers 85 undergraduate programs and over 50 graduate study tracks. Over 99% of the SLU faculty hold the highest degree in their respective fields. Fellow member of the A10 Conference. Nickname is the Billikens, but also commonly known as "Sloo", the phonetic pronunciation of the school's initials. Athletic claims to fame include multiple national titles in men's soccer and men's basketball star Larry Hughes.

Phase III better be the biggest best most beautifully red tied bow they did ever imagine. I used one of the new bathrooms tonight; Holy Stall Waiting and incredible line out into the new $72 Million HALLWAY. A true capacity crowd is going to be a real bitty.

Last night was my first game at the 2/3 renovated arena. So here are my random observations:

- It is bright, new and the outer concourse is totally unrecognizable from the original arena. It is nice to be able to see the untouched west wing and compare it to what they have done to the east wing.

- The new club that sits in the middle of the east wing takes up the entire middle of the wing. It looks like they are expanding the Boesch lounge, adding the premium club seats (which were virtually empty), and the four corner party suites - We'll see, but I think UD has overplayed it's hand regarding premium amenities.

- As others have stated, restrooms and "choke points are an issue, but I think we need to reserve judgement until the arena is complete and people are comfortable in knowing where they are going, etc.

- Along one corridor, there are 4 huge panel pictures of recent various mens and womens bball teams - no vintage Flyer greats pictured, and they are so huge, even when you are against the opposite wall, you can barely appreciate the picture. Odd.

- You can't swing a dead cat without hitting a beer vendor - great, but flies in the face of Spina's desire to reduce drinking on and around campus???

- The video boards that now face the 300-400 section have actually been moved 30-40 feet closer to those sections. I would hate to be sitting any where near those boards - looks way to bright.

- The new maps of the arena don't show anything in the middle of the west wing concession area (as opposed to the club under the east wing). Thank you!! That is my side of the arena and I appreciate the openness. Come to think of it, the overall feel of the corridors and east wing seems a bit claustrophobic.

- Wi-Fi works, but it's odd to see dozens of "nodes?" plastered all over the arena roof

- Overall, based on what I have seen so far I'm giving it a B to B- but will hold off until I see the finished product.

Does anyone know who the design architect is and what other arena projects they have worked on??

My kids love the big screen in the center of the court. I took my 2.5 year old for the first time this year, and he was almost overwhelmed by the spectacle of the player introductions, lights and music. It was entertaining to watch him being so riveted by the whole thing. UD has come a long, long way in that portion of the games.